Washing your hands is your No. 1 defense against the transmission of contagious diseases. But, when we frequently expose our hands to soap, water, and alcohol-based sanitizers, it can cause your skin to appear dry, cracked, and irritated.

According to a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, one of the top reasons people don’t wash their hands often is because of their concern with irritant dermatitis. Also, 69% of nurses surveyed in the study reported skin irritation from repetitive hand-washing, which also causes irritant dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis refers to a type of skin rash that is caused by contact with chemicals or physical substances.

Dry and cracked hands are a common issue among nurses. And, if you allow your hands to stay like that, then you are putting yourself at risk of bleeding and infection on the job.

We have gathered 7 different remedies that will help soothe your dry hands and prevent them from getting cracked.

1. Moisturize!

Whenever you wash your hands, you are removing the natural moisture on your skin. That’s why it’s very important to apply a moisturizer every time you wash your hands. So, it might be a good idea to invest in a bottle of hand lotion to carry with you throughout your day. Try to find a hand lotion that has a combination of the following ingredients: Humectants, emollients, occlusives, and ceramides.

2. Wash your hands gently

The temperature of the water matters when washing your hands. Instead of using hot water, use warm water as much as possible. When you wash your hands with hot water, you are stripping away the natural oils of the skin, which are used to protect your skin’s outer layer. Also, don’t use cold water. Cold water will leave your skin dry.

The water temperature isn’t the only thing that matters. You also need to be careful about which products you use when washing your hands. Try to avoid using harsh soaps and instead use something milder for your skin.

3. Use an oatmeal mixture

Oats actually hold a lot of benefits for your skin. They contain compounds that have soothing, buffering, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. In order to use oats as a remedy, you need to grind them into a fine powder and mix it with liquid to apply it on your skin. After you have the mixture spread out on your skin, the oat mixture will form a barrier that’ll keep the moisture in and protect the skin.

4. Exfoliate your hands

Yes, you need to exfoliate your hands like the rest of your body. Exfoliating your hands will help removed dead and dry skin cells that are just sitting there. To do this, you can try using a pumice stone or great something a lot more gentle to scrub on your hands. After you’re done exfoliating, apply a moisturizer to restore your skin’s natural moisture.

5. Apply aloe vera

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in several skin products… for good reason. Aloe vera has several properties that can treat a wide range of skin issues, from sun burn to cracked skin. It’ll help reduce skin inflammation and scarring. Aloe vera contains two hormones that are anti-inflammatory and wound healing. These hormones can also stimulate the growth of healthy, new skin cells.

6. Use a humidifier

Humidifiers are usually used to help patients breathe, but they can also have a huge impact on your skin. Humidifiers can help prevent your skin from drying out overnight, especially during winter or if you live in a dry area. Place your humidifier next to your bed, or put it in any of your rooms in the house.

7. Use overnight treatments

One of the best remedies for dry and cracked hands is to apply lotion or a petroleum-based moisturizer, like Vaseline, overnight. Then cover your hands with soft gloves to keep the moisturizer on them, which will help it absorb fully in your skin. When you wake up, your hands will be just as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

Do you have other remedies that worked for you? Share them below!